The simplicity of Greek clothing is proof that the most important element in fashion is the human body.

The Chiton was the T-shirt of ancient Greece. It was worn by all classes, the length of the chiton being one of the main determiners of the wearer’s status. Women and older upper-class men wore longer chitons, while male workers and soldiers generally wore the shortest chitons.

When the chiton traveled to Rome it became known as the tunica, but it continued to cross classes as the most mobile of garments.

What differentiated the chiton was the fit. It was loose (often cut longer than the wearer’s height) with the excess fabric belted at the natural waist by a zoster, or girdle.

By not requiring constant readjustment of large amounts of fabric, a chiton was freeing. Its beauty came from a sense of simplicity and fine fabric, often made of linen or wool, which draped beautifully.

My own chiton is knit of a blend of bison, cashmere, silk, and tencel from Buffalo Gold, which also drapes beautifully!